The Irish in Colombia and Latin America

The Irish in Colombia and Latin America

Daniel Florence O'Leary, an Irishman, was one of Simon Bolivar's most faithful officers in the early 1800’s. O’Leary was one of over one thousand Irish volunteers who travelled to Latin America to help in this fight. It was not only the Revolutionary wars of Latin America that brought the Irish to Latin America. Over the years, many Irish individuals emigrated to South American countries, and nowadays their Hispanicised surnames - such as Obregón, Ofarril, Murfín and O'Donojú - can be heard across the continent. Bodies such as the Society for Irish Latin-American Studies have carried out extensive research into this history.

Colombia has a number of Irish residents, particularly in Bogotá, Cali and Medellín. The Irish Embassy hopes to play a role in strengthening and supporting this community. If you would like to attend or get involved in Irish community activities, please let us know. Find out how the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade can assist Irish communities through schemes such as the Emigrant Support Programme or the Presidential Distinguished Service Award.